On November 16, the 41st regular meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the member States of the International Organization of Turkic Culture was held at the Aşgabat Hotel in the capital, which became one of the main events in the context of the proclamation of the ancient Turkmen city of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024.

As you know, this honorary title is awarded to famous cities – monuments of the great past, reflecting spiritual and historical traditions and significant milestones in the formation of Turkic-speaking states, serving as evidence of the enormous contribution of our common ancestors to the development of human civilization.

Thanks to the scientific research of the Anau, the culture of which President Serdar Berdimuhamedov dedicated the book "Änew – müňýyllyklardan gözbaş alýan medeniýet" ("Anau – culture from the depths of millennia"), is recognized as one of the oldest centers of world agriculture and an important center of one of the developed civilizations of the past.

Thus, the discovery of the Anau culture at the end of the XIX century was of great importance not only for Turkmenistan, but also for studying the history of agricultural culture of the entire Ancient East.

This fertile land has fully absorbed the flavor and versatility of the rich heritage of the Turkmen people, who carefully passed it on from generation to generation, thereby managing to preserve to this day the original national cultural and spiritual and moral traditions.

The new stage in the study of the unique monuments of Turkmenistan was facilitated by the wide opportunities created for cooperation between domestic historians, archaeologists, cultural scientists and foreign colleagues.

Thus, in a new historical era, our country is once again demonstrating its special role, fulfilling a responsible mission – to promote mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the planet by strengthening traditional cultural ties.

The participants of the meeting expressed their sincere admiration for modern Turkmenistan, which can rightfully be proud not only of its glorious history of many thousands of years, but also of today's beautiful appearance, which has become a reflection of the creative power of the Renaissance era of a new era of a powerful state.

The members of the supreme body of the International Organization of Turkic Culture highly appreciated the events organized jointly this year, which is taking place under the sign of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Mahtumkuly Fragi and declared by the decision of TURKSOY the year of this great poet, humanist and thinker of the East.

Among them is the II Theater Festival of the member countries of the International Organization of Turkic Culture, within the framework of which forums of writers and artists of the TURKSOY member countries were held, the Gorkut ata International Film Festival, which ended the day before, as well as international thematic conferences, contests, exhibitions, creative meetings and joint concerts.

Noting the importance of actively promoting cultural and humanitarian dialogue, the meeting participants emphasized the excellent organization of all events, which became a significant contribution to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the Turkic-speaking peoples.

Words of deep gratitude were expressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero-Arkadag, as well as President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their full support and multifaceted activities aimed at expanding traditional cooperation between the member states of TURKSOY.

During the meeting, specific decisions were discussed and made regarding the intensification of joint efforts in the priority areas of the Organization's work on the preservation, study and popularization at the international level of spiritual values and historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic-speaking peoples.

The Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture considered all the recommendations and proposals received from the Member States and, taking them into account, approved the TURKSOY Activity Program for the coming 2025.

Following the meeting, the Final Declaration was signed.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan